MIRI: The 14th Miri City International Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament was flagged off today with a stronger international turnout, signalling renewed momentum for one of northern Sarawak’s longest running sport fishing events.
Organised by the Miri Anglers Club, the tournament drew 58 participants from five countries, namely Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, China and Australia.
The annual event, which resumed last year after a five-year hiatus, is seen by organisers as a key platform to position Miri as a regional sport fishing destination while attracting high spending tourism into the city.
Tournament organising chairman and Miri Anglers Club chairman Brian Ang Lip Chuan said this year’s participation showed encouraging growth compared with last year’s edition, which attracted only about 36 participants following the event’s revival.
“This is the 14th time we are organising the tournament. Last year was the year we resumed after stopping for five years,” he said during the flag-off ceremony.
“Last year, the number of participants was not as much as we expected, but this year we can clearly see an increase. We have 58 participants from five countries.”
He said among the highlights this year was the return of anglers from China, a market which had previously contributed strongly to the event before the interruption caused by the pandemic years.
“Last year we did not have any participants from China, but this year they have come back already.
“Many years ago, our highest record was more than 60 participants from China alone.
“Hopefully, now that we have resumed the event, more China anglers and Singapore anglers will know about this tournament and come back again,” he added.
Ang said the tournament would now continue as an annual event and remain one of the club’s flagship programmes.
“From now on, we will do this every year. This is one of our main events for the club because it is very interesting and it can attract foreigners to come to Miri,” he said.
Describing game fishing as a niche but lucrative tourism segment, he said deep-sea fishing enthusiasts were generally regarded as high spending visitors.
“This is a different market from normal tourism. Game fishing is a very expensive hobby, so we consider this group a high spending tourism market. Hopefully, this can help the local economy,” he said.
Ang also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak for its continued support over the years.
Representing Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew at the event was Kelvin Chia Kah Leong, who praised the organisers for successfully growing the tournament into an internationally recognised event.
“Over the years, this event has grown from a local initiative into an internationally recognised event.
“Today is not just about fishing. It is about connection, tourism, sportsmanship and shared passion,” he said.
Chia noted the increase in participation this year reflected growing confidence in Miri as a sport fishing destination.
“This is not just a number. It reflects confidence, trust and growing recognition of Miri as a sport fishing destination,” he said while welcoming participants from Singapore, China, Brunei and Australia.
He added that programmes such as the tournament played an important role in promoting Miri internationally, strengthening tourism networks and fostering friendship among participants from different countries.
The tournament is expected to further boost tourism related activities in Miri, particularly within the hospitality, food and marine recreation sectors, as international anglers and their accompanying teams spend several days in the city.
