SIBU: A proposal has been made for Sibu to host the 2027 Sarawak Regatta to bring more major events to the town and boost its tourism appeal.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said preparations should begin early, including discussions and the formation of a special organising committee to ensure the event could be planned and implemented smoothly.
“If possible, we should host the Sarawak Regatta 2027. We need to plan it properly and, if I am still in the ministry, I will support it.
“Last year we held a regatta in Bintulu. Therefore, I hope we can begin discussions and form a committee for the Sarawak Regatta Challenge 2027,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Sibu International RC Powerboat River Challenge 2026 at the Bank of Sungai Pulau Li Hua on Sunday (Aug 3).
The Bintulu MP said early preparations would also give prospective participants ample time to train and prepare for the competition.
Tiong also urged the Sibu Division Resident’s Office to organise more international-scale events to attract visitors and revitalise the town.
“We need to organise more international events that can attract tourists. If we do not create more activities, Sibu will become like a dead town.
“I want Sibu to be more vibrant,” he said. Tiong is also the Dudong assemblyman.
Commenting on the Sibu International RC Powerboat River Challenge 2026, he said the successful organisation of the event demonstrated Sibu’s capability to host international sporting competitions.
He noted that the participation of competitors from Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), together with the event’s recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records for the “Most RC Powerboats in a Single Event” in 2025, reflected the town’s ability to stage events of international standing.
He added that such competitions also strengthened sports tourism by introducing Sibu to more international participants and visitors.
“Organising events such as these also generates economic benefits for the local community, particularly in the hospitality, food and beverage, transportation and other business sectors,” he said.
Tiong said the RC powerboat competition also contributed to human capital development, as it not only tested participants’ technical skills but also encouraged the younger generation to explore technology, engineering and innovation.
