SIBU: The Sibu International RC (remote-controlled) Powerboat Race Challenge 2026 continues to attract an overwhelming response from local and international enthusiasts.
The race, scheduled from July 30 to Aug 2 at the Pulau Li Hua waterfront, will see the participation of 687 boats across nine categories.
The event was recorded in the Malaysia Book of Records in 2025 for having the Most RC Powerboats in a Single Event, with 759 RC powerboats participating.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday (July 27), event chief secretariat Maria Nadja Jimmy said the race, now in its third year, continues to strengthen Sibu’s position as a major water sports destination in the region.
She said the event also serves as a platform to promote tourism, boost the local economy and strengthen community relations.
The race is organised by the Sibu Divisional Tourism Task Force (DTTG) in collaboration with the Pulau Li Hua Recreational Sports Club and the Pulau Li Hua Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), following the success of the 2024 and 2025 editions, which saw the event set a record in the Malaysia Book of Records.
Maria said the event, themed “D’ Mighty Rajang River Roars, Again!”, has attracted participants from across Sarawak with 88 participants, as well as Sabah (two), Selangor (two) and Johor (one).
International participants include 28 from Brunei Darussalam, three from Thailand, two from Indonesia and two from the United Arab Emirates.
“For this year’s event, we have received a grant of RM80,000 from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, in addition to support from various government and private agencies to ensure the smooth running of the programme.”
For the main competition, the champion of each category will receive RM3,000 and a trophy, while the second-placed winner will receive RM1,500, third RM1,000, fourth RM300 and fifth RM200. Winners placing sixth to 10th will each receive a trophy.
Various side activities will also be held throughout the four-day event, including a colouring competition, sketching competition, open chopstick competition, lucky ticket draws, as well as food, drinks and official tournament souvenirs for sale.
The opening ceremony on July 30 will be officiated by Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong while the closing ceremony will be performed by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
