Sarawak’s State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister has described Sibu as having the potential to become the state’s powerboat racing hub, following a record-breaking turnout at this year’s Sibu International Powerboat Race.
Speaking at the event on the Rajang River, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told the Borneo Post that this year’s race attracted a record 251 boats, a figure that has drawn the attention of the Malaysian Book of Records, which is expected to recognise the event for the most powerboats competing in a single race.
Powerboat News covered the build-up and entry list – 224 boats and the Malaysia Book of Records bid.
Abdul Karim said:
“From what I see, Sibu is very suitable to become the centre for powerboat racing in the future. The river is wide, the organisation is strong, and the support from participants and spectators is very encouraging. When we have more than 200 boats in one event, this is something remarkable and worth building into a major regional event.”
Sports tourism ambitions
The minister pointed to Kuching as a model, noting that the city hosts the International Dragon Boat Race, which typically attracts up to 2,000 paddlers from more than 20 countries, held ahead of the Sarawak Regatta. He said developing niche sports could strengthen Sibu’s position on the state’s tourism calendar in a similar way.
Sibu already has an established programme of events, including the Borneo Cultural Festival, the International Dance Festival and the Big Bike Festival. Abdul Karim said there is room to grow sports tourism alongside these, and suggested that a full or half marathon could also draw strong numbers based on participation seen at comparable events elsewhere.
Tourism context
Visitor arrivals in February and March showed encouraging growth. Tourism receipts for last year surpassed RM12 billion, averaging more than RM1 billion per month, with the spending benefiting local communities through hospitality, food and crafts.
Organisers recognised
Abdul Karim congratulated the Divisional Tourism Task Group (DTTG) Sibu and the Sibu Powerboat Association for staging the event, and acknowledged contributions from Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
