SIBU: The 2025 Sibu International Remote Control Boat (RC) Racing River Challenge has made history, as it is set to be listed in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) under the category ‘Most Remote Control Boats in a Single Event’.
This was announced by Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman during his speech at the event’s opening ceremony, held at the Pulau Li Hua waterfront today.
According to him, this year’s edition saw an extraordinary participation of 759 remote control boats from across the country and several neighbouring nations, qualifying Sibu to receive MBOR recognition at the event’s closing ceremony this Sunday (July 27).
This year’s turnout, he pointed out, far surpassed the previous record of 614 entries set by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) in 2017.
“This is not only a proud achievement for Sibu Division but also a great recognition for Sarawak and Malaysia in upholding international-class water recreational sports,” he stressed.
The four-day race not only attracted participants from all over Sarawak – including Kuching, Limbang and Miri — but also drew entries from other states such as Perlis, Selangor, Sabah and Labuan.
International participants from Brunei and Thailand also joined the event.
Apart from the race, a variety of community-based activities were held to enliven the atmosphere, including a Children’s Colouring Competition, a Creative Waste Competition, and a special programme with children from the Methodist Children’s Home.
Abang Mohamad Porkan emphasised that the event is not just a sporting competition but also a platform for community integration, a catalyst for tourism, and an economic driver with a positive impact on both the community and the town of Sibu.
“I am fully confident that this event will continue to develop into a prestigious and highly anticipated annual event — not only in Sibu, but also at the national and regional levels,” he added.
He also called on all participants to cooperate fully with the secretariat and race officials to ensure the smooth running of the event and the success of the record-setting effort.
The opening ceremony was graced by water sports enthusiasts, local and international tourists, and members of the community who filled Pulau Li Hua from early morning.
The event is expected to provide a boost to Sibu’s tourism sector and economy throughout its duration.
Themed ‘D’ Mighty Rajang River Roars, Again!’, the event is being held at the Li Hua waterfront, with all technical aspects managed by the professional AB Racing Team.
A total of nine categories are being contested, including Class A + B, Class H, Class F, Class G, and the Veteran Class 55ers category. Class H and Class F recorded the highest number of entries, with 140 and 113 boats, respectively.
Among those present at the opening ceremony were deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Tracy Evon, head of the event secretariat Maria Nadja Jimmy, and AB Racing Team manager Zully Ambrose Blikau.
