MIRI: The city is gearing up to welcome anglers from across the globe as it hosts the 13th Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament (MCIDSFT) from May 20 to 24, this year.
“This highly anticipated event aims to promote Miri as a premier deep-sea fishing destination while fostering sportsmanship and community engagement among participants,” said Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew during a press conference on Monday.
“The 13th MCIDSFT promises to be an exhilarating event, bringing together passionate anglers while showcasing Miri’s natural beauty. Organisers are committed to promoting sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that the tournament supports marine conservation efforts while enhancing local tourism and community involvement,” he added.
The tournament, which targets some 100 anglers to take part, will be flagged off from Miri Marina Jetty at 9am on May 20 by Ting.
Participants will then embark on a thrilling four-day competition before returning on May 24 for the prize-giving ceremony.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak, is expected to present the awards.
The Miri Deep Sea Fishing Competition (MDSFC) was held between 1996 and 2006, with the majority of participants hailing from Sarawak, while roughly 10 per cent came from Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei.
In 2007, the event evolved into the Miri City International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament (MCIDSFT), attracting anglers from Brunei, Singapore, and across Malaysia. However, Sarawakian participants still constituted around 90 percent of the total.
As media coverage expanded, Miri Anglers Club (MAC) leveraged both foreign media and social platforms to increase the tournament’s global reach. This strategy began drawing anglers from China, although initially only five percent of participants came from the country.
By 2011, China’s competitive fishing scene had grown substantially, with many anglers actively taking part in international tournaments, including MCIDSFT. The competition’s influence also benefitted related industries such as fishing equipment suppliers and boat operators. Between 2012 and 2019, anglers from China and Singapore frequently travelled to Miri for offshore fishing, particularly around the Luconia Shoals.
After a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the MAC Committee has decided to revive MCIDSFT in 2025, bringing fresh excitement to Miri’s fishing community.
This year’s competition will feature three main categories with attractive prizes for both individual and team categories.
For further details, follow updates on Facebook (@Kelab Pemancing Miri Sarawak) or contact organisers via email at mirianglersclub@gmail.com.
