SIBU: BT 5.5 emerged as the dominant force at the 2026 Sibu International RC Powerboat Race River Challenge, with its two racers, Pan Kee Seng and Jasper, stealing the limelight throughout the four-day competition, which concluded today (Aug 2) at the Pulau Li Hua riverfront.
Pan delivered the team’s biggest triumph by winning the Class F (Catamaran/Tunnel Hull 26cc–28.9cc Gasoline Marine Import Engine) category to claim the Dato Sri Tiong King Sing Cup.
His victory earned him RM3,000 and a trophy after overcoming strong competition from Mohd Faiz Morni of Manchal Racing Team, who finished second to receive RM1,500 and a trophy.
Wallace PK of Alpha Viking Kapit came third, taking home RM1,000 and a trophy.
BT 5.5’s dominance continued with Jasper, who captured three championship titles during the event.
He first clinched the YB Allan Siden Gramong Cup after winning the Class E (Mono/Deep Vee Hull 26cc–28.9cc Gasoline Marine Import Engine) category, ahead of Dawut Wangun of Full Throttle Team and Ampuan Khairul Hafizul Ampuan Ali of Raja Kerbau Racing Team who finished third.
Jasper extended his winning run by claiming the Class D title, with Venus Kong of Bintang Extreme finishing second and Mohd Faiz Morni taking third.
He then completed a remarkable hat-trick by winning Class H, ahead of Keegan Khoo of Team Duratex Extreme TJ Brunei in second place and Ah Siang of Bintang Extreme in third.
Bintang Extreme also had cause for celebration when Ah Siang emerged champion in Class G, finishing ahead of Raja Kerbau Racing Team riders Abdul Matin bin Haji P. Ramlee and Faiz Aji, who came second and third respectively.
Ah Siang’s impressive performance throughout the tournament also earned him the overall Best of the Best title.
Raja Kerbau Racing Team enjoyed success in Class A+B, with Faiz Aji taking the title, Abdul Matin finishing runner-up and Sonny Terence of Machan Warrior securing third place.
The team also dominated Class C, where Ampuan Khairul Hafizul Ampuan Ali emerged champion, followed by Abdul Matin in second place and Muhd Zikrullah, better known as Zik, of Permai in third.
In the international category, Thailand’s Wirote Puangpit of Beever Xtreme Asia R/C Boat Team Thailand proved his class by winning Class I.
Yutthana Sirikul of Full Throttle Team finished second, while Zafril William of Top Secret 7D completed the podium in third place.
In the Veteran category, Osman Hamid of AB Racing drew on his experience to claim the title. Wong Hau Siong of Rantau Panjang Sibu finished second, while Ali Mohammed Al Mazroui of Full Throttle Team came third.
Held from July 30 to August 2, the event attracted local and international racers competing across various categories on the Li Hua River, further strengthening Sibu’s reputation as one of the region’s leading venues for RC powerboat racing.
The prize-giving ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
